October 2018 Favorites: Beauty, Lifestyle & Wellness

I love trying new products and some are a major fail and some I fall in love with instantly. “Favorites” videos are some of my favorite (haha) to record and watch on YouTube. So each month, I like to share with y’all the current products I’ve fallen in love with.

My favorites for October include some Beauty, Lifestyle and Wellness products.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Cleansing Oil

What They Say:

This cleansing oil, with its silky texture, efficiently removes impurities and make-up (including waterproof) in a single step. Enriched with nourishing shea oil (5%), it transforms into a soft emulsion when applied with water to preserve skin’s natural hydration. Your skin is left clean and comfortable, and your complexion looking fresh and radiant.

My Review:

I love using cleansing oils and have been doing so for probably close to 12 years or more. Way before it became the trend it is now. It used to be hard to find oil cleansers but now the options are so varied and large. I’ve recently rediscovered L’occitane and have fallen in love with some of their skincare, this cleansing oil being one of the products.

I usually do a double cleanse when using a cleansing oil, so I typically follow up the oil with a cleansing foam. What I love about this one is that you don’t necessarily need to follow up with another cleanser. The fact that with water this emulsifies and foams a bit helps to really break away and remove all dirt and impurities. The added Shea Butter leaves your skin feeling very soft and hydrated afterwards. Seriously, I don’t even feel the need for moisturizers after.

Milk Makeup Watermelon Brightening Serum

What They Say:

A brightening and hydrating solid serum stick that evens skin tone, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and revitalizes the complexion for luminous, glowing skin.

My Review:

I’ve been wanting to try this forever and finally broke down and purchased the mini. After one use I was hooked! The very first time I used it my skin appeared smoother and brighter. All day long I had this amazing glow to my skin that I’ve never found with any other product.

I love this one so much now that I can’t wait to buy the full size when my mini runs out. If you have been on the fence about trying this serum, I highly suggest you take the leap and purchase it. You won’t regret it. Although, it doesn’t smell like watermelon at all to me, I love how the product performs.

E.L.F. Poreless Face Primer

What They Say:

This primer transforms your face into a flawless, smooth canvas ideal for long-lasting makeup application. Infused with Tea Tree and Vitamins A & E for restorative benefits. Use this under foundation to create the ideal makeup base for glowing, smooth skin.

My Review:

I don’t really wear makeup but on occasion when I find my skin has some redness to it, I like to use a bit of something to help even out my skin and make it appear more flawless. That is when I reach for a primer. Lately, I’ve been trying out some highly recommended primers and they have all failed. Most of them actually make the texture of my skin appear even worse.

So I went back to a tried and true favorite, the E.L.F. Poreless Primer. I prefer a primer that evens out my skin tone, smoothes fine lines and reduces the appearance of pores. This one is perfect for all of that. It really helps my skin to have a smoother and more flawless look, like my skin but only better.

I do want to mention ingredients here because this comes up a lot with primers specifically. The main ingredient in this one is Dimethicone. Dimethicone is a silicone based polymer. Which means if you are someone who prefers going silicone free then this is not the primer for you. While silicones are actually FDA approved and safe for your skin/hair, some people prefer to avoid using them. Particularly oily and acne prone skin should avoid using primers with silicones as it can cause further breakouts.

My Review:

This is a buttery and creamy bronzer that goes on for a very natural and radiant looking glow. It adds just the right amount of color and radiance without looking too fake and overdone. Also, it is a beautiful bronze color and not orangey looking at all.

My only regret is that I wish I would have chosen the darker shade, as the light is very subtle when I apply it. And the scent is delicious but don’t worry…it fades after a few minutes.

Guerlain L’heure Bleu

What They Say:

L’Heure Bleue diffuses its atmosphere at the very moment when the sun disappears beneath the horizon and the sky is painted with night’s velvet. Jacques Guerlain celebrates this fleeting moment with an armful of suave and delicate flowers enveloped in a breath of powder taking wing toward oriental notes. His fragrance, L’Heure Bleue, is an exquisite ode to the enjoyment of life and romanticism. It superbly expresses the moment when “the night has not yet found its star”.

The top notes of the fragrance intoxicate you with the audacity of an aniseed note and the freshness of bergamot. The heart’s carnation and neroli accord express delicate sensuality. The powdery, oriental dry-down troubles us with its powdery notes of iris and violet and its gourmand notes of vanilla, benzoin and tonka bean.

My Review:

This was the first Guerlain fragrance I ever purchased and it will always be one of my favorites. It is such a beautiful and classic oriental scent. At first the fragrance is very powerful but as the heart and base notes come out on the dry down it becomes a beautiful floral scent that lingers on the skin all day.

The throw and wearability of this scent are amazing. It manages to stay on the skin pretty much all day long but without being overbearing. This is a scent that I find I can wear pretty much for all occasions and seasons. It’s a classic!

Fitbit Versa Watch in Rose Gold

What They Say:

Live your best life with Fitbit Versa—a health & fitness smartwatch that lasts 4+ days and features 24/7 heart rate, phone-free music, apps, coaching & more.

My Review:

I love Fitbit mostly because my friends are Fitbit users as well, which means we can support each other through the accompanying app. My friends and I do weekly step challenge where we can help motivate each other to hit our step goals for the week.

In addition to that, I really love the Smart Watch features of the Versa. Similar to my old Apple Watch, I can get text and call notifications, record workouts like my runs, control my music during workouts and even pay for my Starbucks.

I actually find that I use the Fitbit Versa way more than I ever used my Apple Watch. I did an Unboxing and Setup video on my Versa on my YouTube channel, so if you’re curious head over there and check that video out. I will be doing a full video review soon of the Fitbit Versa now that I have had some time to wear it and use all the features.

Barnie’s Santa’s White Christmas Coffee

What They Say:

Welcome to the Workshop. Coconut, vanilla, sweet caramel and nuts. All year long

My Review:

I have loved Barnie’s coffee for years and it was always a special treat to have Santa’ s White Christmas around the Holidays. Now you can find this coffee year round and I am even able to pick mine up at Publix.

The foody notes make this medium roast coffee a creamy delight to drink. It is sweet and rich but not overpowering at all. It has a delicious vanilla and nutty flavor that I love savoring in my mornings.

Check out more details and thoughts on these items in my October 2018 Favorites video on YouTube. Also, in the comments let me know what products you are currently in love with and if there is anything you think I should try and review.